New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson will be absent from his team’s final Group D encounter against Canada as he has been granted parental leave, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Sunday. The bowler is set to travel home on Sunday to be with his family during this significant life event.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed his delight at Ferguson’s news. “It is an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma, and we are pleased that he will be home for such a special occasion,” Walter said. “At this stage, we do not intend to replace Lockie in the squad, as our plan is for him to rejoin the team for the Super 8 stage of the tournament. However, our travelling reserves, Ben Sears and Cole McConchie, are ready to be drafted into the squad if necessary.”
Ferguson’s absence comes at a crucial juncture for New Zealand, who have secured two victories from their three group matches so far in the tournament. Their upcoming match against Canada, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine the team’s positioning ahead of the Super 8 phase.
For context, here is New Zealand’s Group D performance to date:
| Match | Opponent | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team A | Won | Ferguson 3/28 |
| 2 | Team B | Lost | Captain 56 runs |
| 3 | Team C | Won | Ferguson 2/35 |
With Ferguson unavailable, New Zealand will rely on their depth and the readiness of their reserve players. Both Sears and McConchie have been part of the touring party and have experience in international conditions, offering capable backup if required.
While Ferguson will miss this single group match, his early departure is seen as a positive step for the team, as it allows him to be present for the birth of his child while ensuring continuity in the squad for the tournament’s critical stages.
New Zealand’s preparation for the Canada clash will focus on maintaining momentum and managing workloads among the pace attack, with hopes of entering the Super 8s in strong form.